HOME
bayBob & Barbara Petker
invite you to the
CROSSROADS  of  Sicily
Palermo, Siracusa, Taorimina & more!
April 22—May 3, 2010
$2, 649 Land Only, 12 days 15 meals
Limited to 20 persons.
Tour closes Feb  15, 2010
     Sicily is a fascinating mosaic of diverse cultures that tells the story of this Mediterranean island’s rich heritage. Explore the island’s dramatic landscapes, charming hilltop towns, and well-preserved archaeological sites and savor Sicily’s fine cuisine and local wines. 
    This tour is operated by Smithsonian Journeys, in-depth, educational tour specialists to world-wide destinations.  You must be a member of the Smithsonian Society to participate int their tours.  A $29 per family membership fee will be added to your final payment.
April  2010
22 Th  Depart USA for overnight flight to Sicilyaetna

23 Fr Arrive Palermo, Italy:  Remainder of the day is free to relax and adjust to jet lag.   
Central Palace Hotel

24 Sa Palermo: Begin your tour in Sicily’s vibrant, welcoming capital – Palermo. Tonight, meet fellow travelers during a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Sicilian cuisine. Central Palace Hotel (B, D)

25 Su  Palermo - Erice - Segesta - Palermo: Travel to Erice, a medieval city founded by the Phoenicians and perched 2,400 feet above sea level. Take a stroll in the public gardens or visit the lovely Castle of Venus. Then, visit the archaeological site of Segesta with its well-preserved Doric Temple. Learn about the ancient settlers as a local guide shares Segesta’s fascinating history. During a free evening you may explore Palermo’s restaurants and chic cafes. Central Palace Hotel (B)

26 Mo  Palermo - Monreale - Palermo: Today’s tour of Palermo features the squares of Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria and Piazza Bellini. Discover the city’s exotic blend of Moorish, Norman and Spanish Baroque styles. You will also see the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the Cathedral, which houses the Imperial Crown of Constance of Aragon. In the nearby town of Monreale, visit the 12th-century cathedral which dazzles from the moment you step inside. Later you may wish to visit one of the city’s fascinating museums on your vineyardown.   Central Palace Hotel (B, D)

27 Tu: Palermo - Cefalù - Sicilian Countryside - Agrigento: Visit the seaside town of Cefalù and one of the most magnificent cathedrals in Sicily.  Proceed to a family farm in the mountains. Learn about a day on a Sicilian farm and the typical products created there. Watch a chef prepare local specialties and enjoy a hearty lunch featuring the farm’s own products and recipes. Your day ends in Agrigento, on Sicily’s gorgeous southern coast.
Hotel della Valle  ( B, L)
temple2
28 We  Agrigento - Licata - Agrigento:  Start your day at the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy walking around the temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules and Jupiter. Learn about ancient Greek culture on Sicily when you visit the Archaeological Museum, known for its extensive collection of Greek vases, statues and other artifacts. This afternoon enjoy the hospitality of a Sicilian baron and his family when you visit their 18th century baglio and winery, nestled in the coastal Licata countryside. A tasting allows you to sample some of Sicily’s wines.  Hotel della Valle  (B, D)

29 Th  Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Siracusa:  Depart Agrigento, journeying to the beautiful Erei Mountains and the medieval town of Piazza Armerina. During your guided tour, discover the elegance of the Roman lifestyle at Villa Casale which features ancient mosaics. Continue on to Siracusa. Grand Hotel Villa Politi (B, D)

30 Fr  Siracusa: Reflect on the grandeur of ancient Greece during an excursion to the historical sites in Siracusa, boasting archaeological treasures rivaling those in Athens. A local expert guides you through the Archaeological Park which features an impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities.  Grand Hotel Villa Politi (B)
May
01 Sa Siracusa - Catania: This morning arrive in Catania, a coastal city at the foot of an active volcano, Mount Etna, where a local guide shares its history. Visit the cathedral and view the main sites of this historic city. Witness the daily spectacle of bartering for fresh fish and produce when you visit the local market. Enjoy free time in Catania’s elegant center.
UNA Hotel Palace   (B)

2 Su Catania - Taormina - Catania:  Explore Taormina, the jewel of Sicily, perched above the Ionian Sea. During a guided tour you will see the Greek Theatre, Duomo and public gardens. Spend the afternoon dining at a sidewalk cafe or shopping in the town’s boutiques. On your return to Catania, travel along the Cyclops Coast, passing vineyards, citrus groves and charming fishing villages. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. UNA Hotel Palace (B, D)

3 Mo Depart Sicily for flight to USA (B)
map
Price per person (Land only)
Double/twin: $2,649
Single: $3,419  Triple: $2,599

Flight (optional*)
Round Trip from LAX: $1,390
Fuel surcharge $240,
Taxes $130
(*You may also arrange your own flight)

Payment Schedule
$250 non refundable deposit
Balance Due Feb 15, 2010
(Pay by credit card)


Cancellation Charges
After Oct 24, 2009: $250
60-16 days prior to departure, 20% of tour price
15-1 day prior to departure, 40% of tour price
Day of departure, 100% of tour price.

Cancellation Waiver and Tour Insurance (Click here for more information)
Must be paid with first deposit
$170 per person (land only)
$200 per person (includes flight purchased from Smithsonian Journeys.                         
TO SIGN UP FOR THIS TOUR, call Bob or Barbara Petker, 661-325-3200.
We'll take your tour application and credit card information by phone and send you a confirmation.


PETKER TOURS, 3338 EL ENCANTO COURT, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301
TEL/FAX 661-325-3200, EMAIL: petkertours@aol.com
CST 2060469-40